Bone fractures are common among athletes, young children, and the elderly population. When this happens, you are likely to experience excruciating pain in the affected area. Seeking help will save your bones from further damage and restore the normal functioning of your limb. Your trusted Katy fractures specialists at Katy Foot & Ankle PLLC help patients in this predicament receive treatment so their bones can function normally again.
What to do when a bone fractures?
Personal injuries to the bone can occur after a horrible motor vehicle or cycling accident when engaging in a sporting activity or after a slip or fall at home. Physicians advise you to do the following if you suspect a bone fracture:
- Call an ambulance so paramedics are on the way
- Do not attempt to straighten the affected limb, leg, or arm. Instead, support the bone with a pillow or temporary sling and avoid unnecessary movement until help arrives.
III. If you have first-aid training, apply a splint to the broken bone using folded newspapers or a block of wood. This practice will immobilize the areas adjacent to the fracture.
- Stop any bleeding by pressing firmly on the wound with a clean cloth. Remember, contaminating an open wound will do more harm than good.
- If the fractured part starts to swell and appears reddish, apply an ice pack directly to the impacted area to reduce inflammation and keep it numb. Numbness will alleviate pain until you get pain relievers.
What are the complications of bone fractures?
Minor and severe bone structures need appropriate medical attention, so the problem is resolved without complications. A delay in seeing a physician for bone fractures could lead to the following:
Loss of blood
The bone is a living tissue with an independent blood supply, and red blood cells are made inside the bone marrow. Between 10-15 million red blood cells are made every second in the bone marrow. A fracture can interrupt this blood supply and wreak havoc on the general body’s health. For instance, reduced production of red blood cells means less hemoglobin, and the patient is likely to suffer from anemia.
Injuries to organs and tissues
Depending on where the bone fracture is located, you may damage internal organs like the pancreas, essential to your body functioning. A skull fracture can lead to brain damage which is irreversible in extreme cases. Breaking your ribs poses a risk to the chest organs, which are vital for normal functioning.
Cast-related problems
You will likely end up wearing a cast around the affected arm or leg to correct the bone fracture. Joint stiffness is standard after wearing the cast for several weeks on end. Some people can develop pressure ulcers in confined areas.
Stunted growth
When a bone fracture impacts the growth plates in the bone, stunted growth is likely to occur. This problem can be catastrophic for someone in their developing years, such as a teen athlete.
It is prudent to seek professional help in the face of a bone fracture. You may start administering first aid before paramedics arrive, then contact a bone specialist immediately for advanced treatment.
